If you're a history buff..
History lovers may be surprised to discover just how much of it lives in Fulton. From Winston Churchill’s famous “Iron Curtain” speech to beautifully preserved architecture and fascinating collections of American classics, Fulton offers a unique journey through both global and local history. Spend the day exploring the places that shaped Fulton’s story—and the world beyond it.
Best For: History lovers, museum visitors, educational travel
Duration: Half Day to Full Day
Area: Fulton
Morning: A World-Changing Speech
America’s National Churchill Museum
Begin your historical journey at America’s National Churchill Museum, located on the campus of Westminster College. In 1946, Winston Churchill delivered his famous “Sinews of Peace” speech here, introducing the phrase “Iron Curtain” and helping define the beginning of the Cold War. Today, the museum preserves that moment in history through engaging exhibits exploring Churchill’s life, leadership, and the global impact of his words.
Visitors can explore artifacts from Churchill’s life, letters from wartime leaders, and exhibits that trace the political and cultural forces shaping the 20th century.
Step Inside History
St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury
Just above the museum stands one of Fulton’s most remarkable landmarks: St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury. Originally built in London in the 1600s and later rebuilt by famed architect Sir Christopher Wren, the church was heavily damaged during the Blitz of World War II. In the 1960s, its stones were carefully transported across the Atlantic and reconstructed on the Westminster College campus as part of the Churchill Memorial.
Walking inside the restored church offers a powerful connection between Fulton and world history.
A Symbol of the Cold War
Berlin Wall Sculpture
Nearby, visitors can see a section of the Berlin Wall, another powerful symbol of the Cold War era that Churchill’s speech foreshadowed. The sculpture incorporates actual fragments of the wall, creating a striking visual reminder of the divided world Churchill warned about decades earlier.
Afternoon: Classic American History
Auto World Museum
Continue your historical journey with a stop at Auto World Museum, where visitors can explore an impressive collection of classic and vintage automobiles. The museum showcases vehicles spanning decades of American automotive innovation, from early models to iconic cars that defined generations. Even visitors who aren’t car enthusiasts often find themselves fascinated by the craftsmanship and design of these historic vehicles.
Explore Fulton’s Historic Downtown
After visiting the museums, take time to stroll through Fulton’s Brick District, where historic storefronts and buildings reflect the town’s long history as a regional hub for commerce and education. You’ll find locally owned shops, restaurants, and architecture that continues to preserve the charm of Fulton’s past while welcoming visitors today.
Fulton Historic Walking Tours
For visitors who want to dive deeper into Fulton’s past, the Callaway County Historical Society offers self-guided historic walking tours through downtown. These tours highlight notable buildings, local stories, and the people who helped shape the community. It’s a great way to experience Fulton at your own pace while learning about the history behind the Brick District’s historic streets.